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Sometimes the archives field feels like it was designed to cause maximum alphabetical amusement. There are so many A-words, you almost need an archaeologist (or an archivist) to dig you out. So, let's take on the challenge with a cheeky wink, wandering through the wonderful world of archival A-words: access copy, accessible, accession, acquisition, appraisal, archive, archival, arrangement, authenticity, and authority.  

Access/Accessible 

In archival practice, access refers to the ability to locate, retrieve,…

Each year, DHPSNY Dialogues bring cultural heritage professionals together to engage in meaningful discussions about the challenges and opportunities shaping our field. In 2025, our series focuses on Collections for the Future of New York, asking: What can we, as practitioners — both paid and volunteer — do to build and steward collections for the communities of tomorrow? 

At our September 15 program, Welcoming and Inclusive Archive Practices:…

In a recent DHPSNY webinar, Julia Fell from Bethel Woods gave us an inside look at the Museum’s evolving internship program. Since 2021, both remote, in-semester internships and in-person summer internships have focused on collecting and processing oral histories related to the 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair, the Museum’s primary interpretive topic. Julia shared how the program has been managed, highlight key successes, and reflect on lessons learned along the way. 

Click here to view the recording.
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This past July, we concluded DHPSNY's Summer 2025 Planning & Assessment Services application period and are excited to announce that 12 collecting institutions have been selected by our independent field reviewers to receive free DHPSNY services. We commend these institutions for their commitment to strengthening their preservation programs and practices, and it’s an honor to collaborate with them as they advance their missions.

Explore the list of recipients below; learn more in the…

Each September, National Preparedness Month reminds us of the importance of being proactive about emergencies, not just in our homes, but also in our institutions. For libraries, archives, museums, and historical societies, preparation is more than fire drills or flood kits. It’s about preserving our collections, the very core of our missions, before a crisis occurs. 

This year, we invite you to turn that intention into action by enrolling in our upcoming online course, Planning for Preservation: Creating a Long-Range Preservation Plan…

Each year, DHPSNY Dialogues bring cultural heritage professionals together to engage in meaningful discussions about the challenges and opportunities shaping our field. In 2025, our series focuses on Collections for the Future of New York, asking: What can we, as practitioners—both paid and volunteer—do to build and steward collections for the communities of tomorrow? 

At our July 15 program, Climate Resilience & Sustainability: Collections Care for the Future…

In our most recent webinar, CCAHA Digital Archives Specialist Kaitlyn Pettingill walked participants through the key steps of planning a successful digitization project. Covering how to define a clear project scope and goals, set realistic priorities, and advocate for resources; this webinar provides the tools and best practices needed to ensure your digitization initiative is successful.

Click here to view the recording.
Click here to download…

Light is essential for access, research, and display, but also a leading agent of irreversible damage for cultural heritage materials. Cumulative exposure from visible light causes chemical deterioration, fading, and embrittlement, especially for organic and color‑sensitive materials. For these reasons, measuring and monitoring light precisely, using a light meter and UV meter, is central to preservation and preventive conservation planning.   

This blog post explores…

Whether you're writing a preservation plan, reviewing a conservation treatment proposal, or attending a training workshop, you’ve probably encountered unfamiliar or highly specialized terminology. That’s why we’re excited to share a new resource from the Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts (CCAHA): a free, searchable Preservation Glossary featuring nearly 400 simplified, image-rich terms related to collections care, conservation, and preservation. 

Funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the glossary was designed to…

Welcome to Behind the Lens, where we invite you to peer inside the inner workings of DHPSNY Planning & Assessment services to gain a deeper understanding of the assessment process and outcomes. You’ll also hear first-hand accounts from participating sites, offering their personal experiences and perspectives. Explore more of the series in our last post, which highlighted Foundational Planning Assistance, a great first step in setting a framework for successful collections care.

In this…